The Simple Twist That Turns Iced Tea Into A Cozy Winter Beverage
Just like many of our favorite snacks, some drinks are better suited to either summer or winter. For instance, a steaming cup of hot chocolate is probably the last thing you want to be drinking on a boiling hot day, but it's perfect for a cold, snowy day. On the other end of the spectrum, an iced tea is supremely refreshing in the summer, but not so desirable when winter rolls around.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can try if you want to enjoy these somewhat seasonal beverages year-round. Hot chocolate in the summer? No problem. Try a frozen hot chocolate drink, whether you make one yourself or pick one up from your favorite café. All the yummy goodness of hot chocolate, but without the cook-you-from-the-inside heat.
And don't worry, our advice for iced tea isn't to just make it without ice — or in other words, to make regular tea. If that's too boring, you can thankfully get a little more creative with your cooled tea and add some season-appropriate extra ingredients.
Cinnamon is the coziest ingredient to add to your iced tea
Although you could theoretically add any ingredient to your iced tea, perhaps none will get you in as cozy of a mood as cinnamon. According to MasterClass, cinnamon contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which is responsible for cinnamon's warming kick. Not only will a spoonful of spice get you feeling snuggly, but it also has other benefits in terms of flavor and overall health.
Cinnamon is a natural pairing with tea, particularly in those that already contain flavors like chocolate, pumpkin, vanilla, or other warming spices. And because cinnamon has such an assertive flavor, those who don't like the taste of tea but have to drink it for health reasons can use the ingredient as a masking mechanism — made even more better with a splash of your favorite milk and lots of ice. Think of the beverage as a cousin of the iced chai latte.
When it comes to health benefits, you might even consider eating cinnamon every day. This super spice can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, both of which aid in managing type 2 diabetes (via CNN). Nothing better than feeling refreshed, happy, and healthy!